Melbourne IAPSEN

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Matt Nicholls

I currently work in the Victorian state office of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) as the manager of the Indigenous Employment Programmes (IEP) Unit.

I am a Torres Strait Islander and came to Victoria when I was 15 to start work as an airframe apprentice for Ansett Airlines. After 13 years with Ansett I returned to school to study physical education and outdoor education before taking up a challenging job as the state wide Koorie Education and Training Advisor for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the Victorian prison system.  I gained further experience in the TAFE sector with the Victorian Aboriginal Education Assoc. Inc as the TAFE coordinator.

Presently I'm the chairperson for the Victorian IAPSEN. It's exciting being involved with this dynamic organisation which is focused on providing a supportive network to APS Indigenous employees and management and encouraging more Indigenous Australians to enter into the Australian  Public Service.

I have found working in the APS to be very rewarding and the work is interesting and challenging. My work in the APS has provided me with the opportunity to talk to people from a wide range of organisations and hear what they have to say about their own work experiences and workplaces. This has reinforced my opinion that not only does the APS offer excellent pay and conditions, career development opportunities and diverse and interesting work - it also provides opportunities to make a real and lasting difference to our community and society.